Insulin Types

Insulin is a hormone in the body that helps control glucose levels in the blood. It helps transport glucose from the bloodstream to the cells for energy. Glucose is needed by all cells to perform their functions.

People with
type 1 diabetes
are unable to make insulin. While those with
type 2 diabetes
can make insulin, the body is resistant to it and unable to use it appropriately. As a result, glucose builds up in the bloodstream and the cells become starved, which can lead to serious health problems.

Insulin Shots

If you have diabetes, you may need to take insulin shots to make up for your body’s inability to make or use naturally occurring insulin. You may need anywhere from 1-4 shots a day. The medication may also be given using a special injector pen or pump.

How much insulin you need depends on several factors, such as your:

Body weight

Body fat percentage

Physical activity level

Diet

Other medications that you take

Emotional health, including your level of stress

Overall health

Insulin Types

Here are different types of insulin that your doctor may prescribe and an approximate onset and duration of action:

TYPEALSO CALLEDDESCRIPTIONONSETDURATIONGENERIC NAMES

Rapid-acting insulinMealtime insulin

Usually taken before a meal to target the sugars consumed during mealtime
Works quickly and does not last long

Usually taken before a meal to target the sugars consumed during mealtime
Works quickly and does not last long

30-60 minutes5-12 hoursRegular insulin (U-100)

Intermediate-acting insulin
Basal insulin
Background insulin

Keeps blood sugar under control after rapid-acting insulin has stopped working
Slowly absorbed by the body and is long-lasting

2-4 hours10-18 hoursNPH

Long-acting insulin
Basal insulin
Background insulin

Keeps blood sugar under control after rapid-acting insulin has stopped working
Slowly absorbed by the body and is long-lasting

1-4 hours18-24 hours
Glargine (U-100)
Detemir

There is also premixed insulin, which is a combination of two types. The mix usually consists of rapid- or short-acting insulin combined with intermediate-acting insulin.

You and your doctor will create a diabetes management plan that will outline steps for controlling your diabetes, which involves
diet, physical activity, and medications like insulin. You may need to try different insulin doses or types until you find the regimen that works best for you.

This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.

Blair E. Insulin A to Z: a guide on different types of insulin. Joslin Diabetes Center website. Available at: http://www.joslin.org/info/insulin%5Fa%5Fto%5Fz%5Fa%5Fguide%5Fon%5Fdifferent%5Ftypes%5Fof%5Finsulin.html. Accessed July 14, 2015.

Diabetes: Insulin therapy. American Academy of Family Physcians Family Doctor website. Available at: http://familydoctor.org/familydoctor/en/diseases-conditions/diabetes/treatment/insulin-therapy.html. Updated May 2014. Accessed July 14, 2015.

Types of insulin. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases website. Available at: http://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/health-topics/Diabetes/diabetes-medicines/Pages/insert%5FC.aspx. Accessed July 14, 2015.

Types of insulin and how they work. Group Health website. Available at: https://www.ghc.org/healthAndWellness/index.jhtml?item=%2fcommon%2fhealthAndWellness%2fconditions%2fdiabetes%2finsulinTypes.html. Updated June 12, 2015. Accessed July 14, 2015.